Financial Crime World

Financial Sanctions Enforcement Agencies in Mali: A Closer Look at EU, UK, and US Efforts

The financial sanctions enforcement agencies of the European Union (EU), United Kingdom (UK), and United States (US) have been working to enforce sanctions against individuals and entities responsible for threatening the peace, security, or stability of Mali. As the UN’s sanctions against Mali came to an end in August 2023, these agencies are now taking a closer look at those who may be involved in actions that undermine democracy, human rights, and humanitarian efforts in the country.

EU Sanctions Efforts

According to EU sources, individuals and entities responsible for or complicit in policies that threaten the peace, security, or stability of Mali may face:

  • Asset freezes
  • Travel bans

The EU is taking a firm stance against those who fail to comply with the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali, obstruct humanitarian efforts, or engage in serious human rights violations.

UK Sanctions Efforts

The UK is imposing sanctions on individuals and entities that:

  • Fail to comply with the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali
  • Obstruct humanitarian efforts
  • Engage in serious human rights violations

US Sanctions Efforts

The US has designated individuals and entities involved in actions that threaten the peace, security, or stability of Mali, as well as those who:

  • Undermine democracy
  • Violate international humanitarian law
  • Attack local, regional, or state institutions
  • Obstruct humanitarian assistance
  • Plan acts that violate international humanitarian law

The US has also imposed sanctions on those who engage in serious human rights violations and undermine the political process in Mali.

Sanctions Lists

All three agencies have established sanctions lists, which include individuals and entities subject to asset freezes and travel bans. The US designations are outlined in:

  • 31 CFR Part 555 - Mali Sanctions Regulations
  • Executive Order 13882 - Blocking Property and Suspending Entry of Certain Persons Contributing to the Situation in Mali

Conclusion

As sanctions enforcement agencies continue to monitor the situation in Mali, it is clear that those who engage in actions that threaten the peace, security, or stability of the country will face consequences. With the EU, UK, and US all working together to enforce these sanctions, it is hoped that a more stable and peaceful Mali can be achieved.